Updated 15th January 2010
Latest: Responses have been received to the displayed proposals. Thank you to all those that completed and returned forms, emailed and telephoned with very constructive comments and suggestions.
We have discussed the findings with our Urban Design and Conservation team and with Ward Councillors, and final design decisions have been made, as a result of which:
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We will no longer be replacing the existing fountain with a contemporary design. 69 of the 70 people that expressed a view on this element of the proposals requested that it be of a traditional (i.e. Victorian) design. Our Urban Design and Conservation team agreed.
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We will not now be installing traditional park railings, and associated gates, along the frontages with Commercial Road and Station Road. Many people objected to this proposal, some simply on the grounds that they feel it would be a waste of money, others suggesting that they would feel less safe in an enclosed space. Still others were of the opinion that the character of the park is derived from its open appearance, soft edges and multiple points of entry, and that this open character "is a welcome contrast to the urban grain of adjoining buildings and a foil for the visual dominance and severance created by the adjoining road network (signage, surfaces, crossing and barriers)".
The revised design in brief - we now propose to:
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Create more of a 'welcome' at main park entrances
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Resurface all footpaths through the park
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Replace the existing fountain with one of traditional, Victorian design
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Create an informal 'performance space' with electric power supply that might also be used (for example) for a Christmas tree and carol singing, and as an outdoor exhibition area by local artists
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Add informal seating options (traditional park benches will be retained)
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Create an informal 'natural play landscape' for very young children
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Introduce a small Pétanque pitch for casual or organised use by all ages [more about the game]
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Install an interpretation & community notice board
A considerable saving will be made through the decision not to include railings and gates. We are now discussing how that money might best be spent, and whether on this project or another in the Parkstone Ward.
It is likely that some of it will go towards a more comprehensive, but sustainable, planting scheme, and some towards tidying up the external appearance of the public toilet (a Locally Listed Building).
The work programme as at 3rd December 2009
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May/June 2009 – competition - proposals (plans & indicative costings) developed with Leisure Services Greenspace Development and Greenspace Management teams.
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Early July – Landscape Architect selected, based on workable design and compliance with brief.
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Aug/Sept 2009 – final determination of the potential impacts on other services/activities (consulted with councillors, colleagues, user groups, etc), researched prospective contractors / suppliers and associated costings.
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October 2009 - initial proposals developed.
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December 2009 - initial proposal drawings were displayed at Parkstone Library, Le Bateau in Commercial Road, at the Civic Centre, and in the park; an A4 leaflet and response form was also available from the three indoor venues.
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Early January 2010 - further amendments to the plans as necessary, and communication of the final design to all involved.
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Mid January – tender for project delivery (allow 3-4 weeks for responses).
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March – work to start on site, aiming for completion by Spring Bank Holiday, 31st May 2010.
Funding & contact information
Early in 2008 the project was awarded an initial £50,000 for additional seats and lighting, and to update the electrical supply used for events in the park. That work has been carried out.
